Air Travel Disruptions Intensify as Government Shutdown Persists

Mon Nov 10 2025 14:39:48 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

U.S. airlines face significant cancellations and delays due to a federal government shutdown, affecting thousands of travelers nationwide.

As the federal government shutdown continues, U.S. airlines have already canceled over 4,000 flights. The situation is exacerbated by a shortage of air traffic controllers who are not reporting for duty due to lack of pay. Many airports are experiencing delays, and with upcoming holiday travel, experts warn that the situation may worsen. The Senate has taken initial steps to resolve the shutdown, but normal operations may take time even if a deal is reached.

NEW YORK (AP) — Travelers across the United States are facing a worsening situation at airports as the federal government shutdown continues without resolution. U.S. airlines canceled more than 1,500 flights last Saturday, with that number rising to over 2,900 on Sunday. The cancellations stem from a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) order to reduce traffic amid a significant air traffic controller shortage. Many controllers, who have not been paid for nearly a month, are no longer reporting to work.

As of early Monday, airlines had already canceled nearly 1,600 flights for Monday and approximately 1,000 for Tuesday. Major airports including Newark, Orlando, Chicago, and Detroit are reporting significant delays for flights that are still scheduled to depart.

On Sunday, the Senate attempted to make headway toward ending the shutdown, but final approval may still be days away. Experts indicate that it will take time for airline operations to return to normal even if a deal is struck.

The fallout from the shutdown is particularly challenging for air traffic controllers, who are facing their second consecutive pay period without a paycheck. The head of their union plans to hold a press conference to discuss the increasing pressure this situation is placing on controllers.

The cancellation rates are expected to rise further, as airlines struggle to manage their scheduled flights with fewer staff available to operate them. The FAA has implemented a phased reduction in flight operations, starting with a mandatory 4% cut that is set to increase over the following week.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that if the government impasse continues, air travel may be significantly limited by Thanksgiving, one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

The effects of this crisis highlight systemic issues facing the air traffic control system, as multiple administrations have attempted to retain older controllers approaching retirement age. The current shutdown has compounded these issues, prompting several controllers to retire earlier than planned.

As the Federal Aviation Administration continues managing staffing levels at the nation’s busiest airports, safety remains a primary concern, necessitating strict flight reductions to ensure service remains safe and effective during this unprecedented situation.